Reginald Bledsoe

We started this journey together as former school board running mates, and I’m proud to still be in her corner. I’m standing 10 toes down with Josephine C. Garcia, taking on this new journey running for the Newark City Council: real leadership, real commitment to people, real results for working families.

We spent the evening with Bloomfield Pride, celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility, honoring and uplifting the strength, visibility, and resilience of the transgender community.

I grew up in the orbit of Newark and Essex County politics. I’ll never forget Albert Coutinho’s kindness in welcoming me onto the Assembly floor and making me feel truly seen and valued. You’re going to be deeply missed, my friend. I’m sending my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and our Ironbound community. 🖤

We were proud to stand with township officials in the Township of Montclair - Government, alongside community leaders and Out Montclair, to honor Transgender Day of Visibility with the Mayor and Council’s proclamation. We remain committed to ensuring the LGBTQ+ community, especially the trans community, is visible, supported, and protected every day. 🏳️‍⚧️

Today’s Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) celebration in Maplewood, New Jersey, was a moment of pure pride. We proudly stood in solidarity with the transgender community, reaffirming our commitment to visibility, inclusion, and equity for everyone.

Our resolution to protect students and school communities from civil immigration enforcement activities is moving forward at the New Jersey School Boards Association. The Resolutions Subcommittee will next review it before heading to the New Jersey School Boards Association Delegate Assembly for final consideration. I’m grateful to my colleagues, a part of the Essex County School Boards Association, who helped advance this important step for our students and school communities.

Last night, the Essex County School Boards Association unanimously approved the resolution “Protection of Students and School Communities from Civil Immigration Enforcement Activities.” I was proud to stand with colleagues from across the county in supporting this measure and affirming our shared commitment to our students and school communities.

Public schools should remain safe, supportive places where students can focus on learning. I remain committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to receive a thorough and efficient education, regardless of immigration status, race, or background. 📚

Mi Familia: My bro Ryan and nephews Mason and Joshua.

A few weeks ago, I spent time with students from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration at the Essex County Hall of Records as part of our partnership focused on LGBTQ+ policy issues in Essex County.

What began as a planned visit turned into an unexpected and meaningful conversation with Commissioner President Pomares and Vice President Murray-Thomas, who took time to speak with students about how county policy is shaped.

Moments like this don’t happen by accident. I’m grateful to County Executive Joe DiVincenzo for creating space within county government for learning, access, and real civic engagement. Watching students realize their work could influence real decisions was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

I genuinely appreciate and enjoy collaborating with the NJ LGBTQ Law Enforcement Liaisons. NJ Lgbtq Law Enforcement Liaisons

Access Matters! Visibility Matters! Community Matters! We were proud to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Peter Ho Memorial Center’s new mobile Mike medical unit, which will expand HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and care across our communities.

Honored to deliver the keynote address at the West Orange Human Relations Commission and West Orange Township’s 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration. “Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way,” this year's theme, reminded us that unity and nonviolence arise from shared commitment and collective action. Thankful to stand with community leaders, honorees, and neighbors who continue to show up for one another.